Ayodhya Ram Mandir implements mandatory dress code for priests

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya has implemented a mandatory dress code for priests serving at the Ram Mandir. Under the new guidelines, priests are required to wear traditional, unstitched yellow silk garments, specifically a dhoti and an uttariya (upper garment), to ensure visual consistency and religious decorum.

The regulations also extend to personal grooming. Priests must adhere to specific hair and beard styles, following either the ‘Panchkesh’ tradition or maintaining a completely shaved head and face. Additionally, the wearing of the traditional Ramanandi tilak on the forehead is now required.

Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, head of the Tapasvi Chhavni Peethadhishwar, commented on the initiative, describing it as a good step. However, he suggested that such decisions should involve consultation with scholars and priests to ensure consensus, and recommended that the temple administration provide the required clothing to the clergy.